A significant fire at Ryde’s historic former Town Hall is thought to have been started deliberately, the fire service has confirmed.
Aerial photos captured by Island Echo reveal the extent of last night’s blaze, which continued into the early hours of this morning (Thursday) – with the incident putting the future of the long-derelict landmark firmly back in the spotlight.
Around 35 firefighters from across the Island raced to Lind Street shortly before midnight when smoke was spotted issuing from the upper floors of the Grade II-listed building.
At the height of the incident, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service had 6 pumping appliances, an aerial ladder platform, water carrier and command support unit on scene.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus tackled the blaze externally using main jets, hose reel jets and ladders, while a water dam was also established.
The fire was concentrated towards the rear of the former theatre building and spread into the roof space, but swift action by crews prevented the entire building from being destroyed.
An acrid smell could be detected for miles around and residents were advised to keep their windows and doors shut.
The incident began to be scaled back at around 02:40, with the fire confirmed to be out shortly after 03:00.
The cause of the fire has not yet been established. However, witnesses reported seeing youths entering the secured premises earlier in the night.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service says it believes the fire was started deliberately, with Police informed.
The fire is the latest chapter in a long-running saga surrounding Ryde Town Hall, which has stood empty since 2010 and remained derelict since being sold by the Isle of Wight Council in 2013.
Various proposals have been put forward over the years, ranging from restoring the Grade II-listed building as a theatre and cultural venue to partially redeveloping the site for housing.
More recently, attempts to secure the building’s future using public regeneration money have proved controversial. The Town Hall was withdrawn from auction in December 2025, when it had a guide price of £650,000, amid efforts by Ryde Revival CIC and Ryde Neighbourhood Board to facilitate a community-led acquisition.
Last month, Ryde Neighbourhood Board unanimously decided not to pursue the purchase after updated condition reports, an independent valuation and expert advice concluded that acquiring the deteriorating building would expose public money to significant financial risk. The Board has, however, maintained its support for efforts to restore the landmark and bring it back into public use.
Last night’s fire will now raise fresh questions over the condition and future of the landmark, which residents have repeatedly called to be saved after more than 15 years standing empty.
The justice system is broken. These feral youngsters should be put in the Army for three years on top of a fine for the parents. Teach the idiots manners and respect and punish the parents for doing such a lousy job of bringing them up.
No police attendance. Members of the public saw youths entering… They would have called the police, but they only turn up once it’s on fire! Absolutely no presence or prevention, as usual.